FPS187

Dracaena reflexaReflexed Dracaena1 Edward F. Gilman2

Introduction This irregularly-shaped, tall growing nearly grows into a tree. Specimens 15 to 20 feet tall are known to occur in protected landscapes and inside buildings. are unmistakably darker green than most other . They are arranged alternately around the thick stems. General Information Scientific name:Dracaena reflexa Pronunciation: druh-SEE-nuh ree-FLECKS-uh Common name(s): reflexed dracaena Family: Agavaceae Figure 1. Shaded area represents potential planting range. type: tree USDA hardiness zones: 10B through 11 (Fig. 1) Foliage Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round arrangement: alternate Origin: not native to North America Leaf type: simple Uses: specimen; border; accent; suitable for growing Leaf margin: entire indoors; cut foliage/twigs Leaf shape: lanceolate Availability: generally available in many areas within its Leaf venation: parallel hardiness range Leaf type and persistence: evergreen Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches Description Leaf color: green Height: 8 to 15 feet Fall color: no fall color change Spread: 6 to 10 feet Fall characteristic: not showy Plant habit: upright; oval Plant density: open Growth rate: slow Flower color: white Texture: medium Flower characteristic: summer flowering

1. This document is FPS187, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Reviewed February 2014. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2. Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

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U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Fruit Fruit shape: unknown Fruit length: unknown Fruit cover: unknown Fruit color: unknown Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy

Trunk and Branches Trunk/bark/branches: typically multi-trunked or clumping stems; showy Current year stem/twig color: gray/silver Current year stem/twig thickness: thick

Culture Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun Soil tolerances: acidic; alkaline; sand; loam; clay Drought tolerance: high Soil salt tolerances: poor Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches

Other Roots: usually not a problem Winter interest: no special winter interest Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more Invasive potential: not known to be invasive Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests Use and Management Reflexed dracaena is not for every outdoor tropical landscape due to its unusual form. It is most often used as an interiorscape plant in malls and homes. Despite the irregular growth habit, it is probably best suited for the formal landscape.

Best growth is in partial sun outdoors or direct light indoors. Drought tolerance is good, making it well suited for the non-irrigated landscape. Keep the plant away from direct coastal exposure since it is sensitive to salt spray.

Pests and Diseases There are no major problems growing this dracaena.

Dracaena reflexa Reflexed Dracaena 2